SCHIZOPHRENIA

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. They also may be unresponsive or withdrawn and have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.

People often confuse schizophrenia with dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). Unlike dissociative identity disorder, which is thought to be an effect of severe trauma during early childhood, schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, negative parental relationships, or sexual/emotional abuse.

What causes schizophrenia is not completely understood; although, it has long been believed that schizophrenia runs in families. Doctors usually make a diagnosis through interviews with the patient, as well as friends and family members.

A schizophrenia diagnosis can be made when all of the following are true about a patient:

Schizophrenia symptoms have been present for at least six months
Patient is significantly impaired by the symptoms (compared to the period prior to symptoms manifesting)
Symptoms can’t be explained by another diagnosis, such as drug abuse or other mental illnesses

A diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a life-sentence of ever-worsening symptoms and hospitalizations. Despite the widespread misconception that people with schizophrenia have no chance of recovery or improvement, the reality is much more hopeful.

Studies have shown that for every five people who develop schizophrenia:

1 in 5 will get better within five years of their first episode
3 in 5 will get better, but will still have some symptoms
1 in 5 will continue to have trouble managing their symptoms

Schizophrenia isn’t very different from other chronic medical conditions, for which there isn’t a cure, it can be treated and managed with medication and supportive therapies.

As with any disease, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the chances of recovery.

If you are concerned about the possibility you or a loved one having schizophrenia, you can make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry for an evaluation at 718-206-5587.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

One of the reasons that people don’t want to stop smoking is because they are worried about gaining weight. Smoking increases the rate of metabolism so when a person quits, their metabolism slows and they tend to eat a little bit more than they did when they were still smoking. As a result, people will typically gain four to 10 pounds when they quit. When you snack between meals, over the course of time, you can slowly be adding on the pounds. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, so it reduces these cravings. Smoking also makes people feel good, so that is another reason that people will eat sweet foods such as cookies and cake to replace cigarettes.
If you find yourself craving something sweet to eat, there are healthy alternatives:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Fat free or low fat snacks
• Sugar free candies
Drinking plenty of water and brushing your teeth frequently throughout the day will keep your breath fresh and will take away the urge to smoke.
Try finding alternate activities that will keep you busy so that you won’t have the desire to reach for a cigarette. It might be helpful to go to a movie theater, take a long walk, use the stairs instead of an elevator when possible, read a book and spend time with people who are supportive and who don’t smoke.
Smoking is a leading factor in heart disease, cancer, stroke, and many other illnesses. Speak to your physician to learn about ways to quit and how to manage the changes your body will experience. If you would like to speak with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Facts About AFib (Atrial Fibrillation)

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is a type of heart arrhythmia (an irregularity in the rhythm of the heart), which is caused by a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system rhythmically contracts the upper chambers (atria) of the heart in synergy with the lower chambers (ventricles). However, with AFib the heart’s two upper chambers contract rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers.

Each person’s experience with AFib may differ; some people may have no symptoms, while others may have incidents of:

Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

If you are frequently experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician. Your doctor will run the following to diagnose atrial fibrillation: electrocardiogram, trans- telephonic monitor, holter monitor or portable event monitor testing.

If symptoms are ignored and AFib goes untreated it can develop into serious health complications such as:

Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Pulmonary embolism
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension
Stroke

There are many options available to treat or improve the symptoms of AFib. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help in controlling the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke and normalizing the rhythm of the heart. He or she may also recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet, as well as several lifestyle changes which can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Do You Have a Deviated Septum?

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Michael Hinck

If one side of your nose is often more congested than the other and if you have difficulty breathing, the problem might be a deviated septum.

What is a septum? It is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates your left and right nasal cavities. When this wall is crooked or displaced to one side, it can obstruct airflow and make breathing more difficult.

Some people are born with a deviated septum and others develop one as a result of an injury or a trauma to the nose. A deviated septum is not at all uncommon. In fact, four out of every five people have some degree of non-symmetry to their nasal septum. For most, the misalignment is not significant enough to cause any complications, but those with a more severe imbalance can suffer significant breathing problems and require treatment.

Common symptoms of a deviated septum are:
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Frequent nose bleeds
• Sinus headaches and facial pain
• Post nasal drip
• Loud snoring or breathing while asleep

For some, a deviated septum can be treated with medications. If medications are unsuccessful in correcting the deviation, an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor can perform a surgical procedure called a septoplasty to repair a crooked septum and improve breathing.

The surgery is usually performed in an out-patient setting under either local or general anesthesia. The procedure is usually completed in one to two hours with the patient being able to go home within three to four hours after surgery. There is normally little or no swelling after the procedure.

Jamaica Hospital’s team of ENT specialists can diagnose and treat patients with deviated septum. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

History of Sunglasses

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Sunglasses were used in the 12th century in China. These sunglasses were made out of flat panes of smoky quartz. Though they didn’t do anything to correct eyesight, they were used to protect the eyes from sun glare. In the 1400’s sunglasses were starting to be developed by the Italians who also sought to correct vision problems with them.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, sunglasses were prescribed for people who had syphilis as they were known to be sensitive to light and these glasses would be helpful.
Sunglasses became popular fashion accessories for Hollywood movie stars in the early 20th century and from that time the general public also started to wear them.
Mass production of sunglasses began in the late 1920’s when they were introduced by Sam Foster. He began by selling them on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. In the 1930’s the inventor Edwin Land introduced polarized sunglasses based upon his patented Polaroid filter. During World War II the Ray Ban company developed eyewear that protected pilots from glare and soon these became popular with the general public as well.
There are many styles and manufacturers of sunglasses today and they still serve the same concept that was discovered in China almost one thousand years ago.

Foods that promote lactation

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Breast feeding is a very special time in the life of a mother and her baby. It is important for mom to maintain a well-balanced diet in order in-order for both of them to get the proper nutrients needed.

Foods that are beneficial to the body during breast feeding are called lactogenic. If you are a breast feeding mother, some of the foods that are beneficial to you and the baby are:

• Oatmeal – good for relaxation and increases the production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for the production of milk.

• Spinach – an excellent source of calcium, vitamins A. K and folic acid. It is also an excellent source of phytoestrogens, a plant based chemical that is similar to estrogen produced by the body.

• Carrots – contain phytoestrogens and also a good source of energy.

• Hummus – made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, a good source of energy.

• Papaya – has phytoestrogen and also promotes relaxation.

• Asparagus – contains phytoestrogen, fiber, folic acid, vitamins A, C, K and also tryptophan which stimulates prolactin, a hormone needed for milk production.

• Brown rice – Is a complex carbohydrate which is great for energy and also can increase serotonin level in the brain which is important for prolactin production.

• Apricots – contain fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. Also contains tryptophan.

• Salmon – contains essential fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acid both help in the production of hormones needed for lactation.

It is very important for women who are nursing to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you would like to discuss your breast feeding nutrition requirements with a lactation consultant in our Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276

Hypertension Prevention in the Sweet Summer Heat

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Joann Ariola

The American Heart Association recently published the results of a study regarding hot weather and blood pressure. The findings just may surprise you. Hot weather may affect a drop in blood pressure during the day and an increase at night.

These changes may be attributed to the change of daily activities during the summer months, such as:

Walking regularly
Daily aerobic exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight
Curbing insulin-releasing carbohydrates
Lowering salt intake

Studies indicate that high blood pressure kills approximately 50,000 people in the United States each year, and contributes to the death of more than 200,000 annually. If you high blood pressure goes untreated or uncontrolled, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure of kidney failure.

Individual lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure in any season. By successfully controlling your blood pressure, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

If you are interested having your blood pressure checked or think you may have hypertension, you can call to make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Center, 718-206-7001.

Are You Having Difficulty Breathing While At Work?

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Do you experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness while you are at work? Do these symptoms seem to go away when you are on vacation or away from work? There is a possibility that you may have a condition called occupational asthma.

As defined by Medicine.net, “Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by exposure to a particular substance in the workplace. Occupational asthma is not the same as previously diagnosed asthma that is worsened by being at work (this condition would be called work-aggravated asthma).”

There are several substances or triggers that can cause occupational asthma attacks. The most common are chemicals used in insulation, packing materials, paints or resins. Other irritants include metals such as nickel sulfate, smoke, gases and plant substances such as wheat, hemp or cotton.

Additional symptoms of this disease can include: inflammation of the lining around the eyes, runny nose, tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. Symptoms may get worse during the work week and go away after you have left work. They can also continue to occur both at work and outside of work. The longer you are exposed to the cause of the asthma attacks is the more likely you can develop long-lasting symptoms.

Some people are more at risk for developing occupational asthma. You may have an increased risk if you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you have a pre- existing asthma or allergy condition, you are a smoker or you work in an environment that has asthma triggers.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of occupational asthma it is advised that you see a physician as soon as possible because asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Upon your visit to the doctor, he (she) may perform a series of tests such as pulmonary function, spirometry or peak flow measurement. Treatments and suggestions may include wearing a mask or respirator while working as well as prescribed medications.

To make an appointment with the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Facts and Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

acupuncture 115527170 The practice of acupuncture originated in China and can be traced as far back as 2,500 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and illness occurs when the energy (Chi) which flows throughout the body along pathways (meridians) is blocked or interrupted. Inserting very thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body will unblock that energy, allowing it to flow freely and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment with traditional western medicine. It is commonly known to help relieve pain and nausea; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that acupuncture is effective in providing therapeutic treatment for an estimated 28 health conditions.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments are:

Depression
Rheumatoid arthritis
Peptic ulcers
Acute and chronic gastritis
Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
Stroke
Renal colic

As with any form of medical treatment there are risks associated with acupuncture. This treatment can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. If needles are unsterilized you may run the risk of contracting an infection. It is possible, although very rare for needles to break and cause damage to internal organs or needles to be inserted too deeply into the upper back or chest causing lungs to collapse. It is advised that you seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist as this will ensure that required guidelines are being followed.

Generally speaking acupuncture is safe and can be combined as a method of treatment with traditional medicine. Speak with your physician to further discuss the safety of acupuncture and how it can potentially benefit your health.

Colorectal Surgery

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

A colorectal surgeon performs procedures on the intestinal tract, anus, rectum and peri-anal area of the body. One of the commonly treated conditions that they treat are hemorrhoids.
A hemorrhoid is a condition that occurs when veins in the anus and lower rectum become inflamed. They can be either internal (inside the lower rectum) or external (under the skin in the peri-anal area). They can be the result of repeated straining during a bowel movement and can also occur during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are common, and by the age of fifty approximately half of the adults have experienced them to some extent. This is due to the aging process of the tissues that support the veins in the peri-anal area.
• Symptoms of hemorrhoids include
• Discomfort in the anal area
• Swelling in the anal area
• Bright red bleeding during a bowel movement
• Bumps around the opening of the anus
Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoid, different treatment options exist. In mild cases, hemorrhoids may be able to be treated with creams or ointments. Changing the diet to include more fiber and adding a stool softener may also help. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary. A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical correction of this condition.
The surgery department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers colorectal diagnostic imaging and board certified surgeons who can treat all forms of colorectal disorders. In addition to hemorrhoids, some of the other conditions that they can treat are polyps, rectal prolapse, colon cancer, fissures, and abscesses. To schedule an appointment please call 718-206-7110.